What complicated situations relationships can be! Jealousy, intimidation, and manipulation often hide behind masks.

Trust, however, is one emotion that is rarely disguised.

Usually, one knows without a doubt whether the other has their complete trust or not. Trust exposes whether there is genuine love.

True love looms so large that it crowds out any space for fear or distrust. Love and courage thrive where there is no fear or intimidation present.

When there is no need to guard oneself, when there is no question of the possibility of harm, whether physically, emotionally, financially or otherwise — even if only to reputation or self-perception — then courage to act springs forth. Even the bashful admirer, for example, finds a voice when the threat of rejection is gone. The timid student tries out for the athletic team when threat of ridicule is removed.

I know this for myself because I was an extremely bashful child, but only at school. Yet, there was no hint of shyness when I returned to the security of my home. Why? There was no threat of belittling or bullying at home. At home, I had peace. At home, I knew I was accepted and loved. And love casts out fear.